Steve Knox: Parks and rec committee is an honor, not a chore

Some Janesville City Council members cried foul about their committee assignments recently. Community blogger Steve Knox knows none of them must have gotten Parks and Rec, the panel he serves on.

I give thanks to those who serve on the Janesville City Council. They take the good with the bad and do it as a volunteer. In addition to their duties on the council they also sit on various city and citizen committees. As a appointed member of the Parks and Recreation committee (formerly Leisure Services committee) for the last three years I've met three council members with various degrees of enthusiasm for my committee.

Recently, a number of council members were displeased with their new appointments. Some called it cronyism against the new council president. Some wanted a more prestigious committee to sit on. After reading this news I am beginning to wonder -- what if our next councilperson doesn't really want to sit on our committee. The bigger question is 'why wouldn't parks and rec be number one on everyone's list?'

Sure, the planning commission is exciting and the alcohol licensing committee will have a share of input, but Parks and Rec interacts with the residents on a daily basis. Do you want to impact the trail system? Let your voice be heard on our committee. Beer in the parks? Yep, our committee tackled that too. Downtown entertainment and youth activities? You guessed it -- Parks and Rec. The Senior Activity Center? That's discussed at our committee. I could go on forever pointing out ways this department and committee touches the city on a daily basis. It's a great staff and great committee to be a part of. This department generates revenue and is the 'face of the city'.

I'm wondering who our next council representative will be on our committee. No matter who it is, I'm certain our committee was their first choice. Right? Council members please remember that every committee is important and those who serve on them serve with a passion. Please accept your roles and help us out.

Steve Knox was born and raised in Janesville before landing back in the city later in life. This Generation X guy writes on Janesville and beyond. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.